Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation

Most people don’t really think about what happens to injured or orphaned wild animals after they’re found. In Saskatchewan, one place that helps care for them is Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation. Living Sky is a non-profit, registered charity based in Saskatchewan that helps injured and orphaned wild animals. Their main goal is to care for these animals until they are healthy enough to be released back into the wild, while also helping people better understand and respect wildlife. One thing that really makes Living Sky special is their way of thinking. If someone takes the time to rescue an animal and bring it in, Living Sky will do everything they can to help it. They accept all wild animals, no matter the species, age, injury, or condition. Every animal is checked and cared for, even if it later needs to be sent to another rehabilitation center. Living Sky provides full rehabilitation care for small mammals and birds. This includes medical treatment and special diets made to fit each animal’s needs. The animals are handled as little as possible so they don’t get used to humans, which is important because the goal is always to release them back into the wild. They also help the public with wildlife concerns and work to teach people about wildlife and the habitats they rely on.

The organization started with Jan Shadick, who began helping wildlife on her own in 2005. At first, she cared for around 20 animals, but that number quickly grew. In 2010, Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation officially became an organization, and by 2015 they moved to a larger building to keep up with the growing number of animals. Today, Living Sky is the largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Saskatchewan, caring for hundreds to thousands of animals every year. Living Sky works closely with local veterinarians, especially Forest Grove Vet Clinic, who volunteer their time and skills to assess and treat injured wildlife. They also work with other rehabilitators, community groups, and the City of Saskatoon to support wildlife protection and education. On top of that, they run educational programs for schools and community groups to help people learn about and respect wildlife.

I volunteer at Living Sky with my dad, and most of our work is focused on keeping the facility clean and safe for the animals. When we’re there, we usually clean bird cages for animals like pigeons and robins, making sure old bedding, droppings, and leftover food are removed properly. We wash food bowls, water dishes, and trays, which is a nonstop job because everything needs to be cleaned often to stop illness from spreading. We also do laundry for the cloths and materials used in the cages, which piles up fast with so many animals coming in. Sometimes we clean equipment outside or help reset bird cages so they’re ready for new animals. Even though these jobs seem simple, they’re really important because clean spaces and tools directly affect the animals’ health and healing.

Volunteering there has shown me how much work happens behind the scenes that most people never see. Taking care of wildlife includes the medical care, but also daily cleaning, organizing, and keeping the space running smoothly so animals can recover. Being able to help with this, even in small ways, feels important because it supports the bigger goal of returning animals to the wild where they belong. Living Sky depends mostly on volunteers, along with donations and grants, to keep going. The organization plays a big role in wildlife care in Saskatchewan, and volunteering there has helped me understand both the responsibility and effort that goes into wildlife rehabilitation.